Socratic method(also known asmethod of elenchus,elenctic method, orSocratic debate), named after the classical Greek philosopher Socrates, is a form of inquiry and discussion between individuals, based on asking and answering questions to stimulate critical thinkingand to illuminate ideas. It is a dialecticalmethod, often involving a discussion in which the defense of one point of view is questioned; one participant may lead another to contradict himself in some way, thus strengthening the inquirers own point. The Socratic method is a method of hypothesis elimination, in that better hypotheses are found by steadily identifying and eliminating those that lead to contradictions. The Socratic method searches for general, commonly held truths that shape opinion, and scrutinizes them to determine their consistency with other beliefs. The basic form is a series of questionsformulated as tests of logicand fact intended to help a person or group discover their beliefsabout some topic, exploring the definitions or logoi(singular logos), seeking to characterize the general characteristics shared by various particular instances. The extent to which this method is employed to bring out definitions implicit in the interlocutors beliefs, or to help them further their understanding, is called the method of maieutics. Aristotleattributed to Socrates the discovery of the method of definition and induction, which he regarded as the essence of the scientific method.
Posted on: Fri, 17 Oct 2014 07:51:22 +0000
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